Information for Fringe Performers

One of the most exciting components of each Berkeley Festival is the Fringe—a series of self-produced concerts by individuals and ensembles from around the world. The Fringe offers a perfect opportunity for your ensemble to showcase its unique talents to a large and appreciative audience.

Fringe Registration

After reading the information below, you may register your show as part of the BFX 2024 Fringe by filling out the online fringe registration form.

Pay us online or send a check payable to The San Francisco Early Music Society, P.O. Box 10151, Berkeley, CA 94709.

Questions? Email Director of Operations Sarah Coykendall at bfx.fringe@sfems.org.

Please note that events registered from now until May 27 will not be included in the printed Festival Reader—only the online calendar and the Fringe Publicity Flyer.

Determining a date and time—avoiding “blackouts”

Fringe concerts can take place at any time during the dates of Saturday, June 8 through Sunday, June 16. However, to maximize attendance at both main stage and Fringe events, any Fringe concerts that take place during the primary main stage event times will not be publicized by the Fetsival. To maximize publicity and attendance for your event, avoid scheduling an event during any part of the following “blackout” times:

—Sunday, June 9:  6:30–9:00 pm
—Monday, June 10: 7:00–9:30 pm
—Tuesday, June 11:  4:30–11:00 pm
—Wednesday, June 12: 4:30–9:30 pm
—Thursday, June 13: 4:30–11:00 pm
—Friday, June 14: 7:00–11:00 pm
—Saturday, June 15: 10:30–12:30 pm; 4:30–11:00 pm
—Sunday, June 16: 2:00–7:00 pm

Concert Venues

The Berkeley area offers many fine locations for Fringe performances, some within walking distance of the main BFX venues and some a short drive away. The Festival provides this suggested venue list for Fringe performers. The venues and contact information here are based primarily on previous Festivals, and offered merely as suggestions to Fringe performers and are not endorsed in any way by the Festival.

Note that some venues will require that any organizations renting their facilities must have non-profit status and/or must provide their own event insurance. If your organization is not an affiliate of The San Francisco Early Music Society (SFEMS), be sure to ask about such requirements when contacting the venues. SFEMS affiliates who have paid insurance dues for the 2023–24 year can rely upon SFEMS’ non-profit status, and may also request an insurance certificate with sufficient notice.

Special note regarding Loper Chapel: Loper Chapel at First Church Berkeley UCC (First Congregational) is a popular venue for Fringe events. However, available times are very limited, and the church will not accept direct bookings. A limited number of slots are available through SFEMS for SFEMS-sponsored and SFEMS affiliate events only. To inquire about Loper Chapel availability, please contact us directly at bfx.fringe@sfems.org.

Publicity Services

SFEMS, as producer of the 2024 Berkeley Festival, offers a range of services for individuals and groups wishing to present Fringe events. The services are optional and are available to everyone on a first-come, first-served basis.

$125 per event listing ($75 for SFEMS affiliate organizations)

  • listing in online 2024 Fringe Calendar (title, image, performers, pieces, brief description [150 words or less], pricing, and location)

  • listing in print Festival Reader (title, performers, brief description [150 words or less], pricing, and location)

  • listing in the Festival Fringe Publicity Flyer, emailed to the BFX mailing list and available at Festival events {title, performers, location, and pricing)

Please note that information received after April 30 cannot be included in the Festival Reader. In addition, no registrations or additional listing information will be accepted after May 27.

All images and copy are subject to approval and emendation by the Festival.